I guess I really haven't paid attention except I guess I get 'the look' at local XC races. I spend all my real money on downhill weaponry so it leaves little for other bikes. As such, I trail ride on a '99 vintage Trek 830 hardtail that was a hand-me-down from my son and an 03 Diamonback XTS-Moto . . . a frame that was another hand-me-down from my son.

Fortunately, most of the people I ride with on a weekly basis are running all manner of things, some new and razzoo, some not. I swear one guy shows up on a "new" bike every other week - - built up on some old frame he snagged on eBay. Gotta hand it to him.

I guess what it boils down to for me is I like, or have made peace with, what I have and if the others don't like it, well, they don't have to ride it anyway . . . so piss on 'em .